Understanding Iran: Everything You Need to Know, from Persia to the Islamic Republic, from Cyrus to Khamenei

“A digestible history of this tortured land is something Americans sorely need. . . . Polk carefully constructs one.” ―USA Today

William R. Polk provides an informative, readable history of a country which is moving quickly toward becoming the dominant power and culture of the Middle East. A former member of the State Department's Policy Planning Council, Polk describes a country and a history misunderstood by many in the West. While Iranians chafe under the yolk of their current leaders, they also have bitter memories of generations of British, Russian and American espionage, invasion, and dominance. There are important lessons to be learned from the past, and Polk teases them out of a long and rich history and shows that it is not just now, but for decades to come that an understanding of Iran will be essential to American safety and well-being.

“A superb and insightful historical account of Iran and the evolution of the Persian culture.” ―General Anthony C. Zinni USMC (Retired), co-author of Leading the Charge and The Battle for Peace

“A great scholar's brilliant appreciation of Iranian culture and history.” ―Dr. Khodadad Farmanfarmaian, former Deputy Prime Minister of Iran

“A thoughtful, clear-eyed look at America's entanglement in the Middle East. . . . sharp, smart analysis.” —David Ignatius, columnnst for the Washington Post and author of The Increment

“William Polk presents the reader with the full sweep of Iraq's history. . . . a comprehensive tour.” ―Washington Times

“Haunting. . . . One of the clearest prescriptions for success in Iraq yet to emerge.” ―Publishers Weekly

© 2024 St. Martin's Press (Ebook): 9780230103238

Release date

Ebook: 4 September 2024